COME by ICA™ – Your structured journey to integration
Understand – Reflect – Apply – Belong
It was developed by ICA to structure the onboarding process into four clear and practical phases.
Each phase supports you in finding orientation, reflecting on your experiences, taking action and discovering your place in your new environment.
The training
What you’ll experience:
You’ll begin with our structured online training “The Hidden Rules of German Culture”. It gives you insights into how Germany works – culturally, socially and in everyday life.
Goal:
To build a solid cultural foundation – compact, practical and easy to understand.
What to expect:
- Video lessons with practical examples
- Key cultural topics
- Interactive exercises for self-check
✅ The perfect starting point for anyone looking for orientation.
Your reflection
What you’ll experience:
In chapters like Reflect, Listen and Think, you’ll take an active role: You’ll question your own expectations and experiences and prepare for real-life challenges. At the end, a short test awaits you – for self-reflection, not evaluation.
Goal:
To develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your cultural responses.
What to expect:
- Storytelling
- Reflection exercises
- Your personal “Reality Check” at the end
✅ Cultural confidence begins with self-awareness.
Apply your knowledge
What you’ll experience:
Now it’s time for real-life application: In the various portals (e.g. career, housing, everyday life, authorities, healthcare), you’ll find system knowledge, links, practical tools and step-by-step guides. Everything you need for life in Germany – in one place.
Goal:
To build practical competence – for work, studies and daily life.
What to expect:
- Hard facts & checklists
- Concrete real-life examples
- Cross-platform tools for self-application
✅ Integration means taking action – with confidence.
Find your place
What you’ll experience:
Our platform regularly offers small call-to-actions – simple things you can do to connect. With others, with yourself, and with your new environment.
Goal:
To build a sense of belonging – through small, meaningful steps.
What to expect:
- Community tips and support for challenges
- Recommendations for social engagement
- Topic-based spaces and events
✅ Integration is more than understanding – it’s about participating.